The coronavirus pandemic has sped up the demise of many of America’s struggling shopping malls. Security Square Mall in Woodlawn, Maryland, is no exception. The mall has been in decline since the early 2000s, and the recent pandemic has only served to hasten its downfall. In an effort to stimulate job growth and increase local tax revenue, the Randallstown NAACP has created a task force to look into the revitalization of this important economic and communal hub.
Security Square Mall opened in 1972. The mall features over 100 stores and restaurants, as well as a food court, but it has been in decline since JCPenneys, Bennigans and IHOP closed in the early 2000s. Sears announced its closure in 2019, furthering the mall’s demise. Numerous code violations including trash, potholes, illegally parked cars and track trailers plague the appearance of the mall.
“Malls die slowly, generally over a period of years,” said Lacy Beasley, president of the real estate advisory firm Retail Strategies. “At first one anchor closes and then another. For a mall to shut down completely, the mall has already been declared dead by the customer.”
Security Square Mall is a prime piece of real estate which is an important hub to the community. To this end, the Randallstown NAACP is starting a Task Force on Revitalization of Security Square Mall. This task force will look into barriers to revitalization and break down those barriers by bringing all groups together. The task force will offer input on the enhancement of the mall for retail, recreation, economic growth, aesthetics, public health, ecological productivity, and coordinated plans and interests affecting the greater community. These efforts will give the residents of the 1st district and Baltimore County a shopping experience that will make us all proud.
“Baltimore County residents in every neighborhood deserve vibrant communities with a high quality of life and a robust local economy,” said Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski. “We look forward to working with the Task Force on the Revitalization of Security Square Mall, because we know that it can thrive as a world class shopping center and community hub, and we look forward to continuing our work with the community to revitalize this important regional anchor.”
Task Force Members
- Mrs. Danielle Singley, Chair, Randallstown NAACP
- Mr. Ryan Coleman, President, Randallstown NAACP
- Senator Charles Sydnor III, District 44B
- Delegate Pat Young, District 44B
- Delegate Sheila Ruth, District 44B
- Mrs. Linda V Forsyth, Chief of Staff, Senator Delores G. Kelley, District 10
- Mrs. Kimberly Shiloh, Legislative Director, Delegate Benjamin Brooks, District 10
- Mrs. Shirley Supik, President, Liberty Road Community Council
- Mrs. Mary Breland, Acting President, Westview Park Improv. & Civic Association
- Mrs. Robin Harvey, Commissioner, Baltimore County Commission for Women
- Mrs. Barbara Hopkins, Executive Director of Neighborspace of Baltimore County
- Kirk Mitchell, Coordinator, Office of Community Engagement, Baltimore County
For more information about the Task Force, contact the Randallstown NAACP at randallstownnaacp@gmail.com or read the official press release.
